RVSD May, 2012 : Page 30

30 | | May 2012 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN DOLE THE RADAR | NOW! EAT SHEET TOP FIVE Grazing S.D. From pop-ups to L.A. imports, we’ve got the foodie 411. e pop-up craze is in full e ect in San Diego, and leading the pack is Jay Porter, the man behind e Linkery and El Take It Easy (eltakeiteasy.com), where he’s currently hosting a series of guest chefs for pop-up style dinners. A cheerleader of Baja cuisine, Porter is bringing a culinary tour de force through his doors, including Benito Molina on May 14, and Laja’s Jair Téllez, who was just rubbing pork shoulders with Anthony Bourdain for an episode of No Reservations . Meanwhile, chef Daniel Barron has recently left his post at Blue Point to open his own pop-up and catering company, Evolve , where he experiments with clari ed beets, peanut butter and other culinary tricks. Five Petco Hangs The pre-game sip and nosh –Seth Combs 1 2 His last sold-out dinner was held at Fixtures Living. >>> Having completed a 400-episode run of their popular Food Network series Too Hot Tamales, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are gearing up to bring their Border Grill —and a mean Carlsbad oyster shooter—to S.D. “We’ve wanted to open in San Diego for a long time,” says Feniger. “It’s such an interesting city and it’s so close to L.A., so we can be hands-on.” e duo is eyeing Del Mar, Old Police Headquarters and Petco Park. “We are not very interested in the Gaslamp,” says Feniger. >>> Restaurateur David Cohn is again teaming up with worldly Frenchman Philippe Beltran for a new Hillcrest venture, 100 Wines , a wine bar with Euro-inspired small plates helmed by Bo-Beau chef Katherine Humphus. e décor? Rustic and upscale with found objects aplenty. >>> In other foodie news, chef Ben Lieberman is out at Del Mar’s Burlap. e fabric-Clockwise from top: Cucina Enotea from S.D.’s Tracy Borkum in O.C.; Designer Phillip Beltran, El Take it Easy and Border Grill margaritas Lucky’s Lunch Counter This new spot has the best plumped and split bratwurst with bright green, Chicago-style relish. 338 Seventh Ave. Neighborhood For a serious nosh, pair a craft beer with the Stone smoked porter braised beef ribs. 777 G St. loving Malarkey has since installed Harney’s Anthony Sinsay as his new executive chef and Lieberman has moved on to Shelter Island’s Bali Hai. Speaking of island happenings, Aaron Martinez has also left his post as chef at 1500 Ocean inside the Hotel Del Coronado. ough the Del is still looking for a new chef, they have recently brought Ben Kephart onboard as their new wine director for both 1500 Ocean and Eno. Kephart previously stinted as the GM at Laurel and oversaw the restaurant’s transformation into Cucina Urbana. Speaking of which, Cucina Enoteca, Tracy Borkum’s sister property in Irvine, has started selling its décor to customers. e designers of the project are San Diego’s very own Jennifer Luce and Jennifer Price. – DM 3 4 5 Basic The industrial scenester spot with a mean white pizza and primo people-watching. 410 10th Ave. Cowboy Star Go big. Steak tartar and marintis are a must at this East Village local hang. 640 10th Ave. Smashburger Bite into the San Diego burger with a Guinness ﬂ oat on the side. 801 Market St.